1 & 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup granulated sugar
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 large egg
1 large egg white
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
3/4 cup buttermilk
FOR THE TOPPING:
1/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup finely chopped pecans
1 large egg, lightly beaten
pinch of salt
TO MAKE THE CAKE: Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan. Whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Set aside. Using an electric mixer on medium speed, beat the sugar, butter, and cream cheese until light and fluffy. Add the egg and egg white, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla. Reduce mixer speed to low. Add the flour mixture in 3 portions, alternating with 2 portions of buttermilk. Mix just until combined. Transfer the batter to the prepared pan. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until a pick inserted into the center comes out clean. Set the pan on wire rack. TO MAKE THE TOPPING: Reduce oven temperature to 325°F. Place the corn syrup, brown sugar, and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 1 minute. Stir until the butter melts and the mixture is smooth. Stir in the pecans, egg, and salt. Use a wooden skewer* to poke multiple holes in the top of the cake. Pour the topping over the top of the cake. Bake for 10 minutes. Cool completely on a wire rack before serving.